Ufology News Special Bulletin - No 03 2013

Magazine Overview

This issue of "НОВОСТИ УФОЛОГИИ" (Ufology News), a special bulletin #3 from 2013, published with the support of SRCAA and UNITS "ZOND", presents "Declassified Materials" based on reports by Igor Kalytyuk and Artem Bilyk. The content focuses on UFO sightings and anomalous phenomena, primarily from Russia and Ukraine, spanning from the 1970s to the early 1990s.

Declassified Materials: Gorky Incident (1978)

The lead article details an alleged UFO encounter reported by Andrey Shagaev. On April 30, 1978, near Gorky, Russia, Andrey and his father observed a bright, glowing object moving towards a forest. The next day, while walking in the woods, Andrey encountered a black, shiny disk hovering near a broken birch tree. Human-like figures of varying sizes emerged from the disk. When Andrey tried to get a closer look, they turned towards him, and he experienced a burning sensation in his shoulder, lost consciousness, and fell into a ravine. Upon waking, he found a scorched area where the disk had been and collected a black powder from a rectangular object resembling a robot. This powder was later stored in a matchbox. His grandmother wanted to discard the 'robot,' but Andrey hid it. He also experienced a burning sensation on his left shoulder at night. Two years later, the 'robot' and powder were gone. In 1980, an investigation was conducted, and remnants of the powder were found.

Witness Account: Zolochev Landing (1979)

This section recounts the experience of Leonid Gudyrya, an 11-year-old boy from Zolochev, Ukraine. On June 15, 1979, around 4:00 PM, he witnessed an object resembling an "inverted saucer" with a dome and illuminated windows land in the center of town. The object was described as grayish and had three legs. It flew horizontally at an altitude of 50-100 meters before descending vertically and then landing. After about 10-15 minutes, it took off at an angle. The witness experienced intense fear and found that his watch had lost two hours. Several cars stopped to observe the event.

Witness Account: Merezha Landing (1990)

Anatoly Vorontsov, a mechanic from Merezha, Ukraine, reported a UFO sighting on January 7, 1990, around 8:50 AM. He saw a UFO hovering over the ice of the Mzha River. The object was described as having a diameter of about 15 meters and a height of 6-7 meters, with a lower part resembling a "spinning top" and a dome with illuminated windows. It had three legs that extended to the ground. The object's color was described as orange-red. When the car's engine failed, witnesses suspected the UFO's influence. The object took off vertically and disappeared. Vorontsov also mentioned previous encounters with UFOs and their traces.

Other Reported Sightings and Anomalous Phenomena

The magazine includes several other reports:

• Borissolsky District, Belgorod Region (1984): Three witnesses observed a milky-colored sphere that interfered with a UAZ-469 vehicle's engine and lights. The object emitted a light that caused snow to sparkle before disappearing.
• Kirovograd Region (1986): Sightings of a toroidal object and a spherical object emitting light were reported.
• Kharkiv Region (1990s): Several sightings are detailed, including a bright object with a tail, a glowing ball over the sea in Crimea, and photographic evidence of anomalous spots.
• Various Locations (1990-1992): Reports include an orange ball in Crimea, a шар with a bright beam, strange spots on photographs, a multi-phase phenomenon with glowing "streams" and "stars" near Popovka, and a cigar-shaped object with flashing lights near Kharkov.
• Kharkov Region (1990): Vladimir Simonenko reported psychological and biological effects, including a feeling of being compelled to go home and memory loss, after observing an orange sphere.

Instructions for Reporting UFO Sightings

The issue provides a detailed guide for witnesses on how to report UFO sightings. It advises observers to record the time, location, duration, weather conditions, object's appearance (shape, color, brightness, details), trajectory, and any physical or psychological effects. It also encourages detailed descriptions and sketches, and the submission of photographic or video evidence.

Analysis and Editorial Stance

The magazine emphasizes the importance of studying anomalous phenomena and UFOs, acknowledging the polarization of opinions on the subject. It highlights the need for rigorous scientific investigation and encourages public participation in reporting observations. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these phenomena, seeking to gather and analyze data from witnesses.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

Recurring themes include detailed witness testimonies of UFO sightings, descriptions of various object shapes and behaviors, and reports of physical and electromagnetic effects. The magazine promotes the idea that UFOs exist and have been observed, urging readers to report their experiences. The editorial stance is one of encouraging scientific investigation and information sharing regarding anomalous phenomena, while also providing practical guidance for potential witnesses.

This issue of 'Aviation and Cosmonautics' from 1982, published by DOSAAF USSR, focuses on the scientific study of Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP), commonly known as flying saucers, within the Soviet Union. The cover headline, 'Flying Saucers: Scientific Study in the USSR,' and the prominent article by A.V. Beletsky, 'The Development and Prospects of Scientific Study of Unidentified Flying Objects in the USSR,' set the tone for the issue.

Scientific Study of UAPs in the USSR: A Historical Overview

The article by A.V. Beletsky meticulously chronicles the history of UAP research in the Soviet Union, dividing it into four distinct stages:

Stage 1: Early Interest and Organization (Mid-1950s to Mid-1960s)

This period saw the emergence of public interest in UAPs, coinciding with a new era in Soviet life following the XX Congress of the CPSU. Enthusiasts and members of the scientific and technical intelligentsia began collecting and studying domestic UAP reports. Key figures from this early stage included A.P. Kazantsev, Yu.A. Fomin, V.V. Makarov, V.M. Gulinov, and F.Yu. Zigel.

Stage 2: Organized Research and Opposition (Mid-1960s to Early 1970s)

By the mid-1960s, conditions were favorable for more serious and organized UAP study. However, this phase was marked by significant opposition from prominent Soviet scientists, notably Academician L.A. Artsimovich. In late 1967, the UAP department at DOSAAF was dissolved. Shortly after, the Department of General and Applied Physics of the USSR Academy of Sciences issued a resolution declaring the problem non-existent, further hindering research. This was amplified by a critical article in the newspaper 'Pravda' on February 29, 1968. Consequently, active research was effectively halted for a decade, at a time when similar studies abroad, particularly in the USA, were progressing.

Stage 3: Revival and Expansion (Mid-1970s to Early 1980s)

By the mid-1970s, a revival began, largely due to continued UAP observations, which increasingly became widespread. The global 'wave' of observations starting in 1977 led to a shift in the attitude towards the problem in the USSR. The mass sightings in Petrozavodsk on September 20, 1977, were particularly influential, prompting the Academy of Sciences to establish a special theme for UAP research, headed by Corresponding Member of the USSR Academy of Sciences V.V. Migulin. This stage saw an increase in public interest, the involvement of new forces, and a broader understanding of UAP as a complex phenomenon with connections to terrestrial phenomena. The term 'UAP' (anomalous phenomena) began to replace 'UFO.' Unofficial and later formal scientific and research organizations emerged, often based within existing scientific societies like NTO RES named after A.S. Popov and the Geographical Society. Regular scientific and technical conferences and seminars on anomalous phenomena provided a platform for researchers to exchange experiences and results. In March 1984, the Commission on Anomalous Phenomena under the All-Union Central Scientific Research Institute (VCNTO) was established, led by Corresponding Member of the USSR Academy of Sciences V.S. Troitsky. This period also saw the beginning of direct instrumental studies of UAP effects, such as those conducted by F.Yu. Zigel's group in the Moscow region.

Stage 4: New Beginnings and Stagnation (Early 1980s to Present - 1989)

In early 1985, Soviet UAP research entered a new, fourth stage. However, it began with a period of relative stagnation, characterized by a conflict between the prerequisites for progress and outdated forms, styles, and methods of problem-solving. This stagnation was partly attributed to the 'January crisis' following the publication of an article by V. Vostrukhin in the newspaper 'Trud.' The primary obstacles remained the lack of understanding of the true scale and nature of the UAP problem and unclear objectives among those shaping policy. Disunity and inequality among different scientific directions, researchers, and collectives also hindered progress, with priorities often determined by factors other than actual contributions to science.

Current State and Future Prospects (as of 1989)

The article notes that by 1989, UAP research had entered a phase of explosive growth, marked by several new characteristics:

• Increased Public Interest: A surge in public interest in anomalous themes, coinciding with a peak in UAP activity.
• Freedom of Discussion: The lifting of censorship allowed for open discussion of UAP aspects in the press.
• Pluralism of Opinions: A move away from dogmas and stereotypes.
• Expansion of Research Base: Increased involvement of new state, public, and cooperative research organizations.
• Economic Self-Sufficiency: The emergence of real conditions for research to become self-sufficient and self-financing.
• Information as a Commodity: UAP information becoming a commodity, used for both scientific and commercial purposes.
• Emergence of Negative Trends: 'Information piracy' and attempts to profit from anomalous phenomena.

The article highlights significant changes in the information sphere, enabling systematic communication with the public through mass media, leading to an increase in UAP reports. The publication of specialized journals like 'Phenomenon' is noted. However, it points out a lack of serious scientific publications, collections, and monographs, and the absence of dedicated scientific periodicals on UAP and anomalous phenomena.

Organizations and Coordination

The issue emphasizes the need for improved coordination and interaction among UAP research entities. The establishment of the All-Union Committee for Problems of Energy-Information Exchange in Nature (SNIO) and its Ufological Commission in late 1988 is mentioned as a significant organizational development. The article advocates for the creation of a network of professional, scientifically-oriented territorial research centers across the country, operating on a self-financing basis. It also stresses the importance of expanding public organizations and fostering creative collaboration among researchers. The idea of an association of Soviet anomalous phenomena researchers is proposed, not to conduct research itself, but to represent common interests, coordinate activities, and provide methodological assistance.

Key Incidents and Research Areas

Specific incidents mentioned include the observation of a glowing sphere causing injuries and the case of military pilot B. Korotkov observing a glowing sphere. The article points to the need for continued study of 'close encounters' with UAPs due to their informational value. It also calls for an expansion of research into the humanitarian aspects of the problem, including systematic sociological surveys.

Future Directions

The article concludes by stressing the need for closer cooperation with international researchers, the development of constructive work on specialized scientific and technical complexes for UAP observation, and advancements in theoretical and applied research to push the boundaries of technology. It reiterates the connection between the development of UAP research and the internal political and socio-economic processes within the Soviet Union, noting that the ongoing perestroika has removed previous restrictions and injected dynamism into the field.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the historical development, challenges, and future prospects of UAP research in the Soviet Union. The editorial stance is one of advocating for more organized, coordinated, and scientifically rigorous investigation of anomalous phenomena, emphasizing the need to overcome past obstacles and embrace new opportunities for research and collaboration, both domestically and internationally. There is a clear call for a more open and dynamic approach to studying this complex phenomenon.